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Spinner Dolphin

Spinner dolphins get their name for their ability to take a spinning leap far above the surface of the water! When it comes to these aquatic acrobats, completing a 360 is no sweat — they have been recorded spinning up to seven times in one leap. 

 

Spinner dolphins can be found in tropical and temperate waters throughout most of the world’s oceans. They are commonly found in deep water during the day and shallower water at night, but some subspecies that closely associate with islands will spend time in clear, calm, shallow waters to rest during the day. These dolphins are relatively small compared to other species, growing up to about 2 meters (6.8 feet) long. They have slender bodies that can  vary in color depending on the region and subspecies of dolphin, but the most common subspecies, Gray’s spinner dolphin, has a three-part pattern of countershading with a dark gray back, light gray sides, and a white belly. Scientists can identify individuals by differences in the appearance of their dorsal fins — distinguished by shape, injuries, and other unique characteristics. 

While spinner dolphins are known for high-energy acrobatic performances, rest is also an important part of their day. These dolphins rest for 4-5 hours a day in a tight, unified formation, moving back and forth slowly, but just out of reach of each other. These periods of rest are often followed by “dolphin zoomies”, or sudden bursts of energy demonstrated by swimming at fast speeds, in zig-zag patterns, and taking spinning leaps. At night, spinner dolphins hunt small fish, shrimp, and squid deep below the surface. 

 

 

Spinner dolphins were one of the two main dolphin species that were decimated by tuna fishers in the later half of the 20th century, the other being pantropical spotted dolphins. Today, spinner dolphins are still threatened by human harassment and entanglement in fishing gear, but thanks to efforts around their conservation, they are listed as a species of Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. 

 

 

Putting an end to human harassment and harmful fishing practices are necessary to protect spinner dolphins for years to come. Oceana is working to protect marine life by campaigning for fishing gear alternatives. As marine mammals, spinner dolphins are also protected under the Marine Mammal Protection Act, key legislation to protect marine mammals. Keeping laws like this one strong is crucial to the survival and success of all marine mammals.  

 

 

 

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